Students may choose what works for them

In a letter to the editor of the Appeal-Democrat that appeared Friday, River Valley High School students were slapped with a harsh accusation. Cheryl Miller, a substitute teacher for the Yuba City Unified School District, indicted RVHS's block schedule for causing "gang-like" behavior among its students.

Now, whether she was treated in the heckling manner she claims to have endured or not, it is unfair to say the whole student body at RVHS elicits this kind of behavior.

Miller stated RVHS students were immature and should emulate the behavior of students at Yuba City High School. While it's true that all students should represent their school in a positive way, it's unreasonable to let one bad apple spoil the bunch.

"I think that the student body at River Valley High School is a group of great, motivated kids," said RVHS office specialist Janet Beissel.

Is it not ridiculous to assume that poor behavior amongst a single class of students stems solely from the high school's block schedule? While everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, it can only be assumed that RVHS students feel entitled to defend their honor.

"I have a hard time believing that students who would take time out of their day to collect donations for Hurricane Ike victims are the 'heckling' kind," said RVHS teacher Jennifer Dean.

RVHS has displayed a great sense of nobility since its founding year, opening many opportunities for students academically as well as athletically. It has an array of clubs and sports programs that are slowly making names for themselves in the district. The school is managed by a group of staff that cares about the well-being of the students and ensures that the school operates in a healthy and safe manner.

These factors have recently been overlooked due to the school's class periods. The scheduling between YCHS and RVHS has erupted into a complete controversy amongst students, staff and parents.

"The scheduling is making the rivalry so much more amplified," said junior Megan Riney. "Rivalries between inner-city schools are natural, but the rivalry between YC and RV is completely ridiculous."

I don't intend to prove that block scheduling is more rewarding or efficient than traditional scheduling. But block scheduling offers some benefits to RVHS students. Ninety minute classes may be difficult for some students to work with, but juggling seven classes a day may be difficult for another. Therefore, students have the option to choose which school schedule works best for them.

It's in the best interest of everyone to leave the two schools as they are, and enable students to decide what works best for them.

Carly Wilson is a junior at River Valley High School. Her column appears every sixth week in Education.